Watch L-W East Fans Cheer On Defending Champs In Home-Opening Win

FRANKFORT, IL — Jay-Z's 2003 single "Encore" might not be the theme song for Lincoln-Way East High School's 2018 football team, but maybe it should be thanks to the line, "Can I get an encore, do you want more?" The Griffins are looking to repeat as Class 8A state champions after last year's undefeated season.

But repeating as champs is a daunting undertaking. Since Illinois switched to an eight-class system in 2001, only two high schools have won consecutive state titles. Lockport High School did it in 2002 and 2003, while Maine South High School pulled off an impressive threepeat starting in 2008.

Patch will keep tabs on this season's squad as it tries to reach the state title game for the fourth time in the school's history and a bid to win its third championship. (The Griffins also are the only Illinois high school football program that has been to the playoffs in each year of its school's existence, but no pressure.)

Week 2: L-W East (2-0) 38, Naperville Central (0-2) 19

Lightning postponed Lincoln-Way East's original home opener Friday night against Naperville Central. But a Saturday afternoon kickoff didn't keep the Griffins from staying undefeated as they beat the Redhawks, 38-19.

WATCH: L-W East students and fans cheer on the Griffins for the first home game of the 2018 season.

A rash of first-half turnovers and the absence of star junior running back AJ Henning didn't slow down the defending state champions either. Although falling behind early for the second consecutive game — this time down 13-3 in the second quarter — the Griffins were able to take the lead as the first half ended, and they never looked back.

WATCH: L-W East's cheerleaders and pom squad entertain fans during halftime. And fans help the Griffins get charged up for the second-half during the kickoff to open the third quarter.

Devon Williams — the backfield replacement for Henning, who hasn't played yet in this young season following hip surgery in January — scored three touchdowns, and quarterback Jack Baltz hooked up with Chase Anderson for two scores.

RELATED: Chicago Southland High School Football Scoreboard For Week 2

L-W East's defense also made sure Naperville Central couldn't capture a lead after the second quarter as the Redhawks had their own turnover struggles. The Griffins intercepted quarterback Payton Thorne four times.

Lincoln-Way East's 2018 IHSA Football Rankings

Previous week's ranking in parentheses.

State AP Poll: No. 1 (1)

Edgy Tim/NBC Sports Chicago State Poll: No. 1 (1)

MaxPress National Poll: No. 34

Weekly Recaps

Week 1: L-W East 41, Crete-Monee 13

The Highlights: The Warriors took a 6-0 first-quarter lead, but the Griffins took over after that with 288 yards of total offense. They also capitalized on three turnovers by Crete-Monee.

Lincoln-Way East High School 2018 Football Schedule

Times subject to change

Sept. 7: vs. Andrew, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14: at Sandburg, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21: vs. Lincoln-Way Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28: vs. Homewood-Flossmoor, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Lockport, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Thornwood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: vs. Bolingbrook, 7 p.m.

Lincoln-Way East running back Devon Williams is lifted up by a teammate after scoring one of his three touchdowns during the Griffins home opener against Naperville Central on Saturday, Sept. 1. Fans and students turned out a day later after lightning forced Friday night's game to be rescheduled. (Photos by Joe Vince)